Carnival Paradise Review

3.5 / 5.0
987 reviews

We found PARADISE.

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Paradise
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BenjiRodney
6-10 Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: May 2013
Cabin: Porthole

This was my 9th Carnival Cruise, 2nd of 3 booked for this year. Have to reach Platinum Status under the old guidelines by December 31st. We flew in one day early and booked the Hampton Inn Ybor city. Great hotel and location, friendly staff and free hot breakfast. They offer a free shuttle to the port but you can only sign up at 7:30 am on the day of the cruise, so no sleeping in if you want a free shuttle. I was up and at the desk at 7:15 so I was able to choose first, I went with 10:30 am departure, 10:00 is the earliest they will take you.

We had purchased Faster to the Fun, since I would not be Platinum until the next cruise. Upon arrival at the port, the porters notice the FTTF logo and place another tag on your bags as well. We went to the entrance where the porter directed us. One thing different in Tampa vs Miami, is that you do not get to go to the front of the security line, you wait, your FTTF experience begins when you clear security and are greeted and personally walked to the check in counter to receive your Sign and Sail card and Priority Boarding Card.

We were checked in at 1043am and advised that boarding would begin at 11:30am. There were 3 wedding parties that had to board first, then Platinum/Diamond/Suite Guests and then FTTF. We saw our luggage go into the ship about 1/2 hour before we boarded. Our room was ready and we were able to drop the bags off and then head right up a get lunch.

Cabin Review

Porthole

Cabin PT

Nice location on the Upper Deck, easy to get to the Guest Services Desk and the shops. The elevators tended to keep skipping the 6th level but hey your in the middle of the ocean and where else are you going to go.

You have to look straight out the portholes in order to see anything. But it does allow for natural light to shine in.

This cabin is 4 from the front, I did not notice any extra movement.

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